The gleaming mirror-like structure that seems to disappear into the desert

To discover one of Saudi Arabia's most famous landmarks, don’t focus on the building – follow the crowd armed with selfie sticks and ring lights.

Maraya holds the title of the world’s largest mirror-covered building, and during certain moments of the day, it appears to dissolve into the surrounding desert sands.

The structure – which takes its name from the Arabic word for 'mirror' or 'reflection' – serves as a 500-seat concert hall, community center, and event space, hosting performances by artists such as Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Enrique Iglesias, and John Legend.

But beyond its functionality, it is also a stunning work of art in its own right.

Nestled in the breathtaking desert landscape of AlUla, just 14 miles from the stunning ruins of Hegra, Maraya is the product of a collaboration between Italian design firm Giò Forma Studio and Black Engineering.

Florian Boje, the architect behind Maraya, shared his vision with Dinogo: 'We firmly believe that if a building can’t blend with the landscape, it should elevate it.'

He elaborates: 'When we visited the site, we were deeply moved by the natural and cultural beauty, so when we presented our design, the first words we wrote were: ‘Nothing visible should disrupt this view, and if something must be built, it should be a quiet mirror cube.’

The project, which took just six months from concept to completion and a mere 76 days of actual construction, was unveiled in 2019.

Challenges unique to the site

Placing vast amounts of glass in the heart of a blazing desert might sound like a surefire way to cause intense glare.

Boje and his team were determined to find materials that would complement the breathtaking view while minimizing the impact of the extreme heat and sunlight.

The first breakthrough came with the development of a unique type of glass – infused with copper.

Giò Forma Studio partnered with Guardian Glass, a US-based company, to create Guardian UltraMirror, a custom-designed cladding solution tailored to Saudi Arabia’s intense sun and heat.

The building is covered by a total of 9,740 panels that form its reflective outer layer.

Jasmin Hodzic, the marketing director for Guardian Glass in Asia and the Middle East, commented, 'Our ingenuity and persistence paid off as we crafted solutions to meet the Maraya Concert Hall’s specific requirements.'

'Despite the obstacles posed by the terrain and tight timeline, we moved forward,' she continued.

To tackle the desert’s harsh conditions, including sandstorms and extreme temperature shifts, the team created a special coating for the Maraya glass that would resist oxidation and weather challenges.

With its subtle curves, the building seems like a shimmering mirage from afar, blending seamlessly with the desert. However, as visitors approach, they are greeted by a perfect reflection of themselves.

Art in the Desert

While Maraya was always destined for AlUla's Ashar Valley, the precise spot was chosen using an 'analog' method, where large mirrors were placed across the sand to determine the optimal location.

Boje explains that the primary challenge was to create something in an untouched, awe-inspiring landscape that is still in the process of cultural discovery and evolution, shaping its own identity and architectural language.

So what exactly is the design language Boje refers to?

Alongside Maraya, a wave of new art destinations is emerging in and around the historic region, showcasing some of the most renowned figures in the cultural world.

French publisher Assouline has released a series of books highlighting Saudi Arabia's archaeology and architecture. Additionally, DesertX, a prominent visual art exhibitor, has set up in AlUla twice, bringing global artists to create unique, site-specific pieces.

But the developments don’t stop there. Earlier this year, Le Monde reported that renowned architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers were in talks to design a branch of Paris’ Centre Pompidou in AlUla, tentatively named Perspective Galleries.

For Boje, designing Maraya was more than just creating a building. He became deeply captivated by AlUla, to the extent that his firm has now established a permanent office in the area.

A deeper exploration

While many visitors might be content snapping photos of Maraya from the outside, they would miss out if they don't venture inside.

Maraya is not only a venue for musical performances, but also hosts art exhibitions, including Saudi Arabia's inaugural showcase of Andy Warhol, the iconic American artist known for his pop culture and advertising-inspired works.

Another highlight is Maraya’s rooftop restaurant, Maraya Social, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the desert landscape.

Overseen by British chef Jason Atherton, who earned a Michelin star for his London restaurant Pollen Street Social, the atmosphere blends European elegance with Middle Eastern flair, offering dishes designed for sharing, served in a mezze style.

Be sure to try the exceptional desserts, particularly the banana-and-date pudding, which, given the proximity to AlUla's abundant date farms, is as locally sourced as it gets.

With alcohol prohibited in Saudi Arabia, many dining and entertainment venues, including Maraya Social, have crafted inventive and flavorful mocktail menus to provide a lively alternative.

The nearest hotel to Maraya is the expansive Banyan Tree resort.

Inspired by Bedouin traditions, the resort features suites with open-air sections beneath sweeping modern tents, complemented by private swimming pools, outdoor fire pits, and areas for stargazing.

Some visitors choose to stroll the two kilometers across the valley, while others take advantage of the hotel's car service to transport them between the two locations.

Regardless of whether you walk or drive, the best way to experience Maraya is to visit more than once. With each shift in time, from the soft pink glow of sunset to the sparkling dawn, the building offers a completely new atmosphere.